I was sorry to read Vanessa Juarez's utterly naive article about
Scientology (December 15). I have first-hand experience with
this predatory cult and the harm that it does.

At a time when my husband was battling cancer, we were drawn into
Scientology with promises that they could "help" him.
Over the ensuing two years, as my husband was literally fighting
for his life, this organization subjected us to intense,
sophisticated psychological manipulation and coercion and
relentlessly badgered us for money -- including demands that we
drain our 401-K and other retirement accounts.

We were high-pressured into giving Scientology many thousands of
dollars before getting out. Fortunately, we escaped with minimal
residual psychological effects and we were able to obtain a refund
of about half the money we had lost.

MANY other people have not been so lucky. The stories of
Scientology's extreme harassment of its critics and maltreatment
of its own members are legion.

Scientology preys on people who are vulnerable and gets away with
this behavior by hiding behind the banner of religion, screaming
"religious intolerance" when criticized, labeling critics
"bigots" and setting up misleading front groups such as
the "Foundation for Religious Tolerance" and "Foundation
for Religious Freedom."

"Peace and brotherhood," Ms. Juarez? Scientologists refer
to those outside the cult as "wogs" -- a racial slur. Ask
"Reverend" Fischer if he has ever heard that term -- or
used it. "Scientology avoids dogmatic principles," Ms.
Juarez? Hardly. Founder L. Ron Hubbard's writings are referred to
as "sacred scriptures" and agreement with them is mandatory.

I am sure that The Austin American-Statesman would not want to
publicize nor showcase Scientology in any way if you understood
its true nature and purposes.

I hope that you will investigate further and publish a followup
article giving your readers a more accurate and balanced view of
Scientology. I suggest that you begin research at Wellspring
Retreat and Resource Center, a residential treatment facility for
recovering cult victims and home of a sizable library on cults
and "high demand" religions. You can reach Wellspring
at (740) 698-6277 or at their website,

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